Matt Edwards came to FAU from Miami University-Ohio where he served as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. After 10 years, Edwards will be reuniting with another former Red Hawks' defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis, who also served as defensive coordinator during Edwards' first year with the team.

"I'm blessed with the addition of Matt Edwards," said Pelini. "He has extensive experience as a defensive line coach and as a special teams coordinator, but more importantly, he is a good person who genuinely cares about his players."

Edwards began coaching in 2003 as the linebackers coach at the College of Wooster. He then spent eight seasons working at Kent State starting out as a graduate assistant and was eventually named defensive line coach. During his career with the Golden Flashes, Edwards coached numerous players who received MAC honors, including Roosevelt Nix, MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, and Danny Muir, former starter for the Indianapolis Colts.

In 2011, Edwards returned to his alma mater and coached the Miami Red Hawks' defensive ends before taking on the responsibility as special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.

Edwards began his collegiate playing career as a linebacker for a team that finished his freshman season with a 10-1 record. He then moved to defensive end and served as team captain his senior year. Edwards earned his bachelor's degree in sport organization in 2002.